First-quarter economic growth is likely to accelerate from the strong 5.8% year-on-year growth posted in the final three months of last year, says the Fiscal Policy Office. But such optimism depends on one major risk factor – that the current political tensions are resolved without widespread outbreaks of violence.

The nine judges of the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions will begin to unveil their personal judgments on Friday morning. The judges’ individual verdicts will then be presented as the court’s verdict later on this afternoon. The court will commence with the ruling process at 1:30 pm today.

The Siam Cement Group and its two foreign partners, Dow Chemical and Mitsui, as well as the PTT Group and BRP Steel, have won the consent of the Central Administrative Court to proceed with projects in Map Ta Phut. (The Nation)

Japanese investors still see Thailand as a promising economy, despite growing concern over political instability, according to a survey by the Japan Bank for International Co-operation (JBIC). In its prospects for Japanese companies abroad over the next three years, Thailand ranked fourth in Asia after China, India and Vietnam. Thailand rose one place from 2008, replacing Russia, which dropped to fifth place.

Although economic conditions remain blue, Thailand’s overall ICT market is expected to grow by 7.2% thus year. Computer services will likely see potential growth consecutively, but local PC makers are finding it harder to survive.

Bank of Thailand will gradually increase interest rate this year, said yesterday Tarisa Watanagase, central bank governor. She, however, said that the central bank has to move very carefully due to risk factors, such as stage of global economy.

Thailand’s exports grew for the third consecutive month in January, in line with three major positive factors: the global economic recovery, increased prices for farm goods, and the elimination of tariffs under the Asean Free Trade Agreement, which is an import engine driving further economic growth. (The Nation)

Tourism figures rebounded in January, but the industry’s outlook remains shaky after six foreign countries issued travel advisories for Thailand. Tourism and Sports Minister Chumpol Silpa-archa said 1.579m visitors arrived in Thailand in January, a 24.35%increase over the same month last year. Mr Chumpol said arrivals in the next few months looked promising as long as there is no political violence.

The Commission for the Management of Land Traffic has approved two additional Skytrain routes – Pink and Orange – and an Airport Rail Link extension to Don Mueang Airport.

Japanese investors have urged the government to resolve the Map Tha Phut crisis quickly and put more effort into keeping the lid on political problems, in order to restore confidence among Japanese businesses.